Composite-structure-defined nitrogen-doped carbon nanocage embedded Co/CoxP for enhanced oxygen reduction and evolution reactions

The design and synthesis of composite-structure-defined bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution reactions electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn-air batteries are highly important. Herein, a facile surface functionalization-carbonization-phosphidation strategy is proposed to construct a novel composition-structure-controllable nanomaterial from a zeolite imidazole ester framework (ZIF67), which has been applied in oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and Zn-air batteries. In the typical nanomaterial, Co and CoxP (a mixture of Co2P and CoP) were embedded in hollow N-doped carbon shell (Co/CoxP/HNC-5). The relationship between the activity and shell thicknesses of the carbonization products of ZIF67 coated with different mass ratios of polydopamine has been studied. In addition, the doped P-content showed a significant impact on the bifunctional oxygen activity, especially for Co/CoxP/HNC-5. Benefiting from the unique structure, multiple compositions, and synergistic effects, the superior bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activity (Delta E = 0.667 V) were obtained on Co/CoxP/HNC-5. Furthermore, Co/CoxP/HNC-5 served as an air-cathode catalyst and exhibited remarkable peak power density, specific capacity and durability in a practical Zn-air battery. This work provides a strategy for the construction of efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts with special structure and adjustable compositions.

Automated summary

This research presents a facile strategy to construct a nanomaterial with controllable composition and structure for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in rechargeable Zn-air batteries. The nanomaterial consists of Co, CoxP, and a hollow N-doped carbon shell. The relationship between activity and shell thickness was studied. By adjusting the phosphorous content, the nanomaterial showed superior bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activity. In addition, it exhibited excellent performance in a practical Zn-air battery.